The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for New Castle County and surrounding areas. The warning is in effect beginning today, Wednesday, July 1, at noon and will remain in effect until 8:00 PM on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Dangerously hot conditions are expected throughout the holiday weekend, with heat index values ranging from 100°F to 110°F.

With dangerous heat expected, take a few simple steps to stay safe:

💧 Drink plenty of water.

❄️ Stay in air conditioning whenever possible.

☀️ Limit time in the sun and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

👕 Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

👶🐶 Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a minute.

❤️ Check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and anyone without air conditioning.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency; call 911 immediately. If you or someone you know needs a safe place to escape the heat, call 211 for information on shelters and other available community resources.

On Monday, June 30th, 2014, Nefertiri “Neffie” Trader, a 33-year-old mother of three, was last seen around 4:00 a.m. on Freedom Trail in the Saddlebrook community, located off Christiana Road (Del. 273) in New Castle, Delaware.

A neighbor reported witnessing a man force Neffie into her vehicle, a silver 2000 Acura with Delaware tag 404893, which remains missing to this day.

Missing Person Details:

Name: Nefertiri “Neffie” Trader

Age at Time of Disappearance: 33

Height: 5’6”

Weight: 125 lbs

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Brown

Distinguishing Features: Tattoos on her right chest, left arm, and lower back

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or email Missing@Newcastlede.gov

If you’d like to report information anonymously, Delaware Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to an arrest. Be sure to retain your Tip ID and password to follow up, provide additional details, or claim a cash reward. Submit a tip by calling 1-800-TIP-3333, visiting http://www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.

(Newark, Del. 19702) On Friday, May 22, 2026, at approximately 6:27 p.m., officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the Iron Hill Apartments, located in the unit block of Brookedge Court, for a report of an attempted robbery during which the victim was assaulted.

Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Detectives assigned to the Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

Through their investigation, Detectives determined that the victim had planned to meet with two 17-year-old males. During the encounter, one of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s money. When the victim refused, the suspect struck the victim in the head with the handgun, causing injuries. Both suspects then fled the area before officers arrived.

As a result of the investigation, Detectives identified both suspects, who were subsequently located and taken into custody on separate dates.

On June 1, 2026, one 17-year-old male from Newark was charged with:

• One felony count of Attempted Robbery First Degree
• One felony count of Conspiracy Second Degree

The juvenile was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the New Castle County Juvenile Detention Center after being held on $22,500 cash bail.

On June 17, 2026, a second 17-year-old male from Newark was charged with:

• One felony count of Attempted Robbery First Degree
• One felony count of Aggravated Menacing
• One felony count of Conspiracy Second Degree
• One felony count of Wearing a Disguise During the Commission of a Felony
• One misdemeanor count of Assault Third Degree

The juvenile was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the New Castle County Juvenile Detention Center after being held on $36,500 secured bail.